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Benefits to claim other than PIP/Lcwra? (Single Adult Male age 22) Need housing help, HELP!!

NeckJawBackPain2000

Hi all, I am living with my parents, though now I am moving out. My health issues (chronic neck pain/spinal degradation issues/widespread extreme pain etc, in that realm of pain related issues).

I am on the enhanced rate for both sections in PIP and the enhanced rate for LCWRA.

My problem: I have signed contracts for a new 2 bedroom house, though the LHA doesn't cover enough. From what I have read, I can claim the UC housing element by checking the LHA rates. The LHA rates are extremely low, but with PIP enhanced I can claim a 1 bedroom instead of shared for a higher rate?

I need: Some extra money to cover the next 8-10ish years for my new rented house/bus pass/train pass. I just can't quite afford the rent even if I live frugally/eat hardly any food. The rent isn't even that much.

Could PIP enhanced help reduce costs for somewhere I'm missing? I have heard of tax reductions/room tax reductions, don't understand it though. What PIP/LWCRA freebies/benefit extensions could I get, is there a list?

Please help me as I have no idea on what I am eligible for. I just really need a bit of extra money or some benefit that I am entitled to but haven't claimed/utilised. Ie, help with food, bus pass, dentist or something I am missing.

Thanks all. I live in Wales UK.

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Kimi87

Yes with PIP you can claim the one bedroom rate for LHA.

PIP qualifies you for a Disabled Person Railcard (UK wide) , costs £20 1 year/£54 3 years, and you will get 1/3 off fares.

https://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/

If ever in London with this Railcard you can get 1/3 off tube travel by getting an Oyster card (£7) and havingyour railcard added on in person at a customer service desk.

It cannot be combined with paying tube fares by a contactless bank card.

https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/national-railcard-discount

Disabled bus pass (free), if you don't automatically qualify there are discretionary criteria.

https://portal.tfw.wales/en

This also would give you some free/discounted train travel in Wales

https://tfw.wales/info-for/over-60s/rail-concessionary-travel

This won't be valid on buses outside of Wales including London buses where no discount is available to you.

You qualify for free NHS dental, sight tests, hospital travel and a voucher towards glasses.

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/help-with-health-costs-for-people-getting-universal-credit/

You can apply for a Council Tax Discount (25% single occupancy) and Council Tax Reduction.

https://www.gov.wales/council-tax-discounts-and-reduction

Help is available with water bill, this can depend on usage so you might want to wait to have some actual usage data. Sometimes low users on standard tariff find there isn't anything cheaper available.

https://www.dwrcymru.com/en/help-with-your-bills

Social broadband tariffs:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/compare-broadband-deals/broadband-social-tariffs/

NeckJawBackPain2000

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1027783#Comment_1027783

Hi, that all looks great, appreciate the response. Few followup questions.

What other benefits/elements can I claim on top of what I already have?

Can PIP/UC ever have any form of voucher/help with food costs/reductions? Anything in the food/meal area?

For my housing, since I have a 2 bedroom house, can I get some kind of reduction from 1 of the rooms. I think I read about it being called "bedroom tax"?

Thanks.

Kimi87

Apart from Council Tax Reduction there are no further benefits you can claim.

There is nothing under the welfare state for food.

Where I live a charity operates from several local churches and you can fill a bag of food for £2. There might be something similar local to you.

If you receive regular and frequent overnight care from someone who does not live with you, you can ask Universal Credit to pay for a second bedroom via your Housing Element. If approved UC would pay the two bedroom LHA rate for your area.

chiarieds

Hi @NeckJawBackPain2000 - I don't know if this link will help you re: food banks, but hope so: https://www.trussell.org.uk/emergency-food/find-a-foodbank

NeckJawBackPain2000

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1027821#Comment_1027821

Thanks for explaining that.

Well, my Mum would pop in quite frequently as I do have a lot of issues that need tending to. But does she class as a carer? I don't don't want to sound dishonest or get done for fraud. What do you think?

But what was the bedroom tax thingy I was talking about? I have a 2 bedroom place and I don't need the 2nd room technically speaking.

Hmmm, how can I get help with my housing costs on top of LHA? The gap between the LHA and my actual rent amount is too much. I genuinely need the PIP/UC funds for my disability therapies/things in that area so I can't dip into that too much.

Thanks.

Kimi87

Bedroom Tax refers to social housing.

It needs to be frequent and regular overnight care for another bedroom to be paid for by UC, from what you've written you wouldn't qualify.

Your maximum entitlement is the one bedroom LHA rate for your local area.

You could consider living with a lodger and using the income from them to meet your rent shortfall.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales/housing/lodging-and-subletting/lodging-subletting/landlords-of-lodgers/taking-in-a-lodger-what-you-need-to-think-about-first/

Otherwise are you sure you can afford this two bedroom place? I know it's hard to find rental accommodation when on benefits but a one bedroom might be better suited financially.

NeckJawBackPain2000

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1027827#Comment_1027827

Oh, okay thanks for explaining that.

I can afford it, but just about. Couldn't find a one bedroom up for sale. Right now I'd have to be far too conservative with my food budget/disability therapies. Ahhh! This is a nightmare.

My other option would be to get a part time job. If that is possible, I can work up to £411/month until it gets reduced right? Or is it different because remember I am on PIP enhanced and Lcwra. None of this matters if you get paid cash on in hand?

Thanks.

Kimi87

Yes you can earn £411 before the standard deduction is applied. Because you will be claiming Housing Element that amount applies to you.

Cash in hand work is the same as you need to declare any earnings to UC.

It doesn't matter how you get paid it all has to be reported and is treated the same.

NeckJawBackPain2000

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1027856#Comment_1027856

Hmmm, okay thanks for explaining. Another question.

I was phoning the PIP line to chase up my pip review (just posted form 2 days ago). Lady said it arrived yesterday, cool. However before that during the automated stage it asked about my how much my PIP payment is to the nearest £5, I entered it as normal in the keypad and the automated voice said my next payment is £26.78 on 06 06 2025?? My PIP payments are £749.80 so what is that about?? Kind of stressed out just thinking about it, never heard responses about a next payment before as part of the automated line too.

My PIP award is set to end in November 2025 aswell.

Thanks.

Kimi87

The PIP automated line isn't always reliable in the information it gives out.

If your review isn't completed by November, you will be sent a letter 35 days beforehand extending the current award date by up to a year.